Chicken parm is crispy chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese — the kind of meal that makes you feel good with every bite. It’s simple, comforting, and always a hit at the dinner table.
Why We Love This Classic Chicken Parm Recipe
What Makes Chicken Parm So Irresistible
- Crispy chicken that holds its crunch even under sauce
- Melted cheese that bubbles and browns perfectly
- A rich marinara sauce that ties it all together
- Family-friendly and customizable for all taste buds
- Easy to make, yet special enough for guests
Chicken parm is a dish that wins every time. It brings everyone to the table and rarely leaves leftovers. That’s a true sign of a great recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts – Thin, boneless pieces are best for juicy, tender chicken parm.
Flour – Helps the breading stick to the chicken.
Eggs – Bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
Italian breadcrumbs – Give the chicken parm its crispy, flavorful crust.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, cheesy flavor to the breading.
Marinara sauce – Rich tomato sauce that covers the chicken parm.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts perfectly on top for gooey, cheesy goodness.
How to Make Chicken Parm Step-by-Step
Prep the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise.
Place between plastic wrap and pound evenly to 1/2 inch thickness.
Breading Station:
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan.
Bread the Chicken:
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook each piece 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Place on a wire rack to rest.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spoon marinara into a baking dish. Lay chicken on top.
Add more sauce and sprinkle mozzarella over each piece.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
Garnish and Serve:
Add chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving.
You now have restaurant-quality chicken parm fresh from your oven.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Parm
Pro Secrets You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture than standard breadcrumbs.
- Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack before baking to keep it crunchy.
- Don’t overload with sauce; too much makes the chicken soggy.
- Layer cheese intentionally; a blend of mozzarella and a bit of provolone adds flavor depth.
- Pound chicken evenly to prevent uneven cooking and dry spots.
Following these small details can make a big difference in the final taste and texture.
Easy Chicken Parm Variations
Put a Spin on the Classic
- Chicken Parm Sandwich: Serve the cutlet on a toasted roll with sauce and cheese.
- Air Fryer Chicken Parm: Skip the oil and crisp up your chicken in an air fryer.
- Spicy Chicken Parm: Add crushed red pepper or a slice of jalapeño under the cheese.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Parm: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Mini Chicken Parm Bites: Slice the chicken into strips or nuggets for kids or parties.
You can enjoy chicken parm your way—just adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parm
What to Eat with Chicken Parm
- Over spaghetti or linguine for a complete Italian meal
- With roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli
- On a fresh green salad for a lighter option
- Beside creamy mashed potatoes or seasoned rice
- As sliders or wraps for casual gatherings
These sides complement the rich flavors of your chicken parm without overwhelming them.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
FAQs About Chicken Parm
Your Chicken Parm Questions, Answered
What is chicken parm made of?
Chicken parm is made with breaded chicken breasts, marinara sauce, and mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then baked until golden and bubbly.
Is chicken parm the same as chicken parmesan?
Yes. Chicken parm is just a shortened term for chicken parmesan. They refer to the same delicious dish.
How do I keep the breading from getting soggy?
Let the chicken rest on a rack after frying and only add sauce just before baking. This keeps the crust crisp.
Can I make chicken parm without frying?
Yes, you can bake or air fry the breaded chicken. While it changes the texture slightly, it’s a lighter option that still delivers flavor.
Chicken Parm
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce & Cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning & Oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 0.5 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Place between plastic wrap and pound evenly to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Place on a wire rack to rest.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon marinara sauce into a baking dish and lay chicken on top.
- Add more sauce over chicken and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on each piece.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and sprinkle extra Parmesan before serving.